The language of music is universal in that all cultures have a deep, emotional connection to rhythms and tones.  This guide is meant as a means of helping others to broaden their horizons when seeking out other musical genres or looking for something unique and new.

One of the best companies featuring performers in the World Music genre is Putumayo.  Many of their collections are featured here on ebay.  I've been collecting their compilation and individual artist releases for 8 years and have never been disappointed with the selection of music and the quality of liner notes accompanying each album.

Another quality label is Luaka Bop, and it was started by David Byrne of the Talking Heads because of his interest in Brazilian music.

Here is a recommended list of World Music musicians and groups that would be a good place to start for someone interested in learning about this genre.

Celtic-

Capercaillie (Scotland), Chieftains (Ireland), Dougie MacLean (Scotland), Altan (Ireland), Mary Black (Ireland), Cheris the Ladies (Ireland)

African-

Habib Koite (Mali), Angelique Kidjo (Benin), Diogal (Senegal), Kotoja (Nigeria), Mahotella Queens (South Africa), Dalom Kids (South Africa), Johnny Clegg (South Africa), Baaba Maal (Senegal)

Latin-

Susana Baca (Peru), Inti-Illimani (Chile), Trio Mocoto (Brazil), Roberto Poveda (Cuba), Los Pinguos (Argentina), Martin Buscaglia (Uruguay), Toto La Momposina (Colombia)

Middle Eastern-

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan (Pakistan), Bendeniz (Turkey), Mustafa Sandal (Turkey), Cheb Khaled (Algeria), Amr Diab (Egypt), Rachid Taha (Algeria)

Miscellaneous-

Fatal Mambo, Paris Combo, Zap Mama, Miguel Gil, Djelem, Ojos De Brujo, Babatubde Olatunji, Ali Farka Toure